Main Entry

Sykes, Mark Masterman, Sir, 1771-1823.

Title

Papers, [ca. 1813-1825], bulk 1823-1825.

Physical Description

51 items (.25 linear ft.)

Historical/Biographical Note

English bibliophile and picture collector; member of Parliament for Sledmore, Yorkshire, where his estate was located. Sykes’ library was considered one of the finest in England and was especially strong in early printed editions of the Greek and Roman classics, incunables, and 16^th century English poetry. The collections were sold following his death in three lots in May-June 1824.

Scope and Contents

Collection consists of fifty-one ALS, mainly by those involved in the disposition of Sykes’ collections of books, prints, drawings and paintings after his death in 1823. Correspondence to and from Sykes’ solicitor, John Lockwood, and the book auctioneer Robert Harding Evans; with Samuel Sotheby, who was in charge of selling the pictures (and whose bankruptcy and illness are mentioned); and with William Young Ottley, an artist who acted as Sotheby’s agent and whose work created many difficulties. Some letters include lists of books, bills, and receipts connected with the sales. Also correspondence ca. 1813-1818 between Sykes and his solicitors, including Lockwood, relating to financial details of his land, carriages, bonds, and books.

Names

Lockwood, John, correspondent.

Evans, R. H. (Robert Harding), 1778-1857, correspondent.

Sotheby, Samuel, 1771-1842, correspondent.

Ottley, William Young, 1771-1836, correspondent.

Subjects

Sykes, Mark Masterman, Sir, 1771-1823. Library.

Sykes, Mark Masterman, Sir, 1771-1823. Art collections.

Private libraries. England. Yorkshire. 19^th century.

Decedents estates. England. Yorkshire. 19^th century.

Real property. England. Yorkshire. 19^th century.

Book collecting. England. Yorkshire. 19^th century.

Prints. Collectors and collecting. England. Yorkshire. 19^th century.

Occupation (as reflected in collection)

Book collectors. England. Yorkshire. 19^th century.

Location

Grolier Club, 47 East 60^th Street, New York, N.Y. 10022-1098.